Pandemic
This coverage examines the impact of pandemics on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational disruption, financial challenges, consumer behaviour shifts, and recovery strategies. Reporting highlights store closures, safety measures, supply chain pressures, leadership decisions, and lessons learned to enhance resilience. Tailored for executives and managers, it provides insights to navigate crisis situations and strengthen preparedness.
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Jan- 2022 -25 JanuaryComment
The key e-commerce trends of the year
The pandemic has undoubtedly continued to accelerate UK e-commerce purchases in 2021. A 20.5% year-over-year growth in eCommerce sales is projected for this year alone. With the worldwide marketplace available at their fingertips, customers have grown accustomed to the convenience of online international shopping. Therefore to increase authorisation rates and…
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25 JanuaryCoronavirus
Study reveals areas hit hardest by Covid-induced retail insolvencies
Norwich has been revealed as the area hit hardest by Covid-induced retail insolvencies, according to a study by Wholesale Clearance. It revealed that between March 2020 and September 2021 Norwich experienced 8.27 businesses shutting down out of every 100 and a total of 49 insolvencies. It said that for Norwich,…
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24 JanuaryEconomy
2021 footfall found to be 31% lower than in 2019
Footfall across all UK retail destinations was –31.1% lower than in 2019, but up from -39.1% in 2020, with retail parks continuing to display a “notable resilience” than either high streets or shopping centres in retaining footfall, according to Springboard’s 2021 report. Springboard said that “it was the three month…
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21 JanuaryHigh Street
The Works H1 sales rise 30.6% to £116.1m
The Works has announced its revenues increased by 30.6% to £116.1m in the 26 weeks ending 31 October 2021 (H1 FY22), up year-on-year from £88.9m and 17.9% from pre-pandemic levels (H1 FY20). The group has also reported Pre IFRS 16 Adjusted EBITDA of £2.5m for the period, compared to £1.5m during…
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21 JanuaryCoronavirus
December retail sales dented by Omicron
Retail sales across the UK were dampened by the impact of Omicron last month, as volumes of sales fell by 3.7% in December 2021, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. While this was the largest monthly fall since January 2021, which saw a decline of…
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21 JanuaryLuxury Goods
Hugo Boss hails 51% rise in sales amid ‘record’ quarter
Hugo Boss has reported its revenues increased year-on-year by 51% to €906m (£757m) in the fourth-quarter (Q4) of 2021, with sales up 55%. The revenue is a 12% increase from pre-pandemic levels, making Q4 FY21 “the most successful one in Hugo Boss’ history”. The company’s pre-tax profits for the full…
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20 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Primark sales spike 36% to £2.67bn
Primark owner, Associated British Food (ABF), has announced the fashion retailer’s revenues increased by 36% to £2.67bn in the 16 weeks ending 8 January 2022, compared to £2.03bn in the 16 weeks ending 2 January 2021. Total Primark sales this period were 5% lower than pre-Covid levels, and like-for-like sales…
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19 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Burberry sees recovery with profits rising to £723m
Burberry Group plc has increased its operating profit expectations to grow by 35%, following a 5% increase in revenue to £723m in the 13 weeks ending 25 December 2021 (Q3 FY22), compared to £688m for the same period in 2020 (FY21). Full-price sales surged in the third quarter, increasing 26%…
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19 JanuaryCoronavirus
WH Smith sales remain below pre-Covid levels
WH Smith has announced that its revenue remains below pre-pandemic levels for the 20 week period ending 15 January 2022, with the total group revenues at 85% of 2019 levels for the same period. In travel UK, revenues came in 70% of 2019 levels for the 20 week period, with…
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18 JanuaryNews
Employment continues to rise
The UK shows ‘continuing’ recovery in the labour market, with employment continuing to rise, according to the ONS latest Labour Force Survey estimates for September to November 2021. It revealed in December 2021 there were 29.5 million employees in the UK, up 184,000 on the revised November 2021 level and…
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